Key Takeaways- International container shipping costs typically range from $2,500 to $20,000+ depending on destination, load size, and services.
- FCL vs LCL: Full container load (FCL) is faster for whole-home moves; LCL is more budget-friendly for small loads.
- 20 ft container dimensions: 20′ x 8′ x 8.5′; capacity ~1,172 ft³; weight ~2,300 kg (empty).
- Cheapest container shipping to New Zealand from USA starts around $18,000+.
What Is Container Shipping?
Container shipping (also called sea freight shipping) refers to the transportation of goods via large, standardized containers by sea. It’s a popular and cost-effective solution for moving goods internationally.
Top Container Shipping Companies in the US
Looking for a container shipping quote? It all starts with choosing a reliable mover. Here are some of the best container shipping moving companies in the US:
Sirelo Top Mover
9.6
435
Naperville
40 ratings as Professional
40 ratings as "Professional"
Reliable, high-rated, and known for secure shipping cargo by sea.
Pros
Professional (40)
Communication (34)
Price (14)
8.9
61
Surfside
7 ratings as Good Communication
7 ratings as "Good Communication"
Experts in international container shipping and partial load options.
Pros
Communication (7)
Price (6)
Professional (6)
9.1
163
Sherman Oaks
5 ratings as Good Communication
5 ratings as "Good Communication"
Great for full-service international moves.
Pros
Communication (5)
Packing of furniture (3)
Fast move (2)
8.0
60
New York
8 ratings as Professional
8 ratings as "Professional"
Excellent for custom relocations and sea freight shipping.
Pros
Professional (8)
Friendly (3)
Communication (2)
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Container Overseas?
On average, international container shipping costs range between $4,500 and $18,000+.
International container shipping costs vary based on several factors:
- Route and Distance
- Container Size (20 ft vs. 40 ft)
- Load Type: FCL (Full Container Load) vs. LCL (Less than Container Load)
- Additional Services: Packing, insurance, port handling, customs
Destination | Cost Estimate |
Germany | USD 4,500 – 10,000+ (20ft) |
UK | USD 3,000 – 7,500 (20fft) |
Australia | USD 8,000 – 26,000+(40ft) |
New Zealand | USD 18,000+ (20/40ft cheapest quotes) |
* These are indicative port‑to‑port rates; door‑to‑door or full service moves will cost more.
Container Sizes, Dimensions & Weights
Choosing the right container size is crucial for ensuring the efficient and secure transportation of your belongings.
20-Foot Container
- Dimensions: 20′ x 8′ x 8.5′
- Capacity: ~1,172 ft³
- Weight: ~2,300 kg (empty)
40-Foot Container
- Dimensions: 40′ x 8′ x 8.5′
- Capacity: ~2,390 ft³
- Ideal for large homes or full business moves
FCL vs. LCL: What’s Right for You?
Option | Best for | Pros |
FCL (Full Container Load) | Entire household | Faster, private, more secure |
LCL (Less than Container Load) | Small moves | More affordable, shared cost |
LCL shipping prices are lower if you don’t need a full container. Read more about LCL shipping in our guide.
How to Move a Cargo Container: Step‑by‑Step
- Choose between FCL or LCL
- Request container shipping quotes from multiple movers
- Prepare documents and inventory
- Pack items securely
- Arrange inland transport
- Monitor delivery and customs clearance
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Need help calculating your volume? Try our container shipping volume calculator to estimate your volume for your international shipping container quote.
Popular Container Shipping Destinations
- USA → Germany: $4,500 – $10,000 (20 ft)
- USA → Australia: $8,000 – $26,000 (40 ft)
- USA → UK: $3,000 – $7,500 (20 ft)
- USA → New Zealand: $18,000 – $23,500+ (full container)
Cheapest rates to NZ typically start around USD 18,000+ for a full container (port to port).
Shipping a Car Overseas
Need to include a vehicle in your shipment? Here’s a quick guide on how to ship your car:
- Choose sea freight shipping or RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Get a sea freight quote
- Prepare the car for transport (clean, fluids drained, no personal items)
Plan Your Move!
Remember to plan, compare quotes, and communicate effectively with the shipping company to make your international move a hassle-free process. If you need more information, check out our FAQs and linked aticles.